USE OF MOLECULAR ASSAYS FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF FELINE INFECTIOUS DISEASES

摘要

Clinical syndromes induced by infectious agents are common in cats. Documenting current infection is still present is the best way to make a definitive diagnosis. Commonly used techniques vary by the body system but include fecal flotation, cytology histopathology, immunohistochemistry, culture, antigen tests, and molecular diagnostic assays. For some agents, antibody test results are also used to help make a clinical diagnosis. However, presence of antibodies may only document prior exposure, not current infection.